Las Vegas Dental Implants are the preferred solution for replacing missing teeth. They offer many benefits over other tooth replacement options, including preserving bone mass and helping patients chew correctly.
Implants can also prevent healthy, adjacent teeth from shifting into the empty sockets, which can lead to loosening and decay. In addition, they can reduce gum disease risk by eliminating pockets where bacteria hide and cause infection.
Dental implants are a natural-looking, long-lasting tooth replacement option. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants are the only solution that’s designed based on natural tooth anatomy. And, while some people may be able to tell that you have an implant, most will not be able to spot the difference.
To place a dental implant, your oral surgeon will create a small incision in your gum to expose the bone. They’ll then drill holes in the bone to attach a metal post. Once the implant is in place, they’ll stitch the incision and let the area heal. The implant will then bond with the surrounding bone to create a solid foundation for your artificial tooth.
Once the implant site has healed, your dentist will place the crown on top of the implant to complete the process. The crown is custom-made to blend in with your existing teeth, so it’s unlikely that anyone will be able to tell that you have an artificial tooth in place. The color of the crown will depend on your needs, and your dentist will use a color-matching wheel to find a shade that best matches your surrounding teeth.
In addition to ensuring that the crown looks natural, your dental team will also work to ensure that the implant feels like your natural teeth. This means that the implant will feel solid in your mouth, and you’ll be able to chew and bite without issue. The implant won’t give you any extra pressure or pain because it doesn’t have a nerve. Instead, the feeling of a missing tooth comes from your surrounding gum tissue.
Before you choose a dentist to place your dental implants, be sure to ask them about their experience with the procedure. They’ll be able to explain the benefits of choosing this treatment, as well as the process and recovery. You can also check with your insurance provider to see if they cover the cost of dental implants.
You’ll need to be in good general health before receiving an implant because the procedure can damage your teeth, surrounding tissues and other parts of your mouth. Patients with severe periodontitis (gum disease) are generally not candidates for dental implants because the infection can spread to the surrounding teeth and bones.
They Prevent Bone Loss
Dental implants replace both the tooth and its root, so they effectively prevent bone loss. The titanium material that the implants’ rods are made from has a unique ability to fuse with bone tissue, allowing it to keep it strong and healthy. This process is called osseointegration, and it’s one of the reasons why implants are so successful and long-lasting.
The implant’s artificial roots also stimulate the jaw bone and prevent it from deteriorating, just as a natural tooth’s roots do. The implant also preserves the shape of the face, which can become deformed after several missing teeth. This is referred to as a “sunken” appearance, and it can lead to an aging look that isn’t attractive.
Implants are also a good option for patients who have lost teeth due to trauma, gum disease or other causes. These patients may not have enough healthy bone mass left to support a traditional bridge or denture, so implants are an excellent alternative. The surgeon can perform tests to see how much healthy bone remains in the area where the implant will be placed. If there isn’t enough, the surgeon can add more through a bone graft.
It’s important to have a full evaluation of the patient before placing an implant, because some chronic conditions can slow down the healing and integration of an implant, including diabetes, cancer, heart disease, long-term steroid use and certain neurological conditions such as advanced Parkinson’s disease. If these conditions are not managed properly, they can put the implant at risk and increase the likelihood of complications.
The dentist can also evaluate the bite and occlusion, which is how the upper and lower teeth come together. A poorly aligned bite can exert excessive forces on the implant, leading to bone deterioration. Finally, the doctor can discuss lifestyle choices that can affect bone health, such as diet and exercise, to help the patient make positive changes. These lifestyle changes can include eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting regular exercise, which are all associated with improved bone health.
They Preserve Your Speech Patterns
Many patients want to know if dental implants will affect how they speak or chew. Implants restore full functionality to your mouth, enabling you to enjoy a diverse diet and maintain healthy eating habits. They also prevent slurring, whistling, and other speech impediments caused by missing teeth. The results are a natural-looking smile and restored confidence in social interactions, both personal and professional.
Before getting an implant, you will undergo a thorough medical exam and evaluation. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who treats conditions of the mouth, jaw, and face (oral and maxillofacial surgeon), or to a dentist who designs and fits artificial teeth (prosthodontist).
Your implant surgery will involve some degree of discomfort, but it is generally less severe than other tooth replacement options. The recovery period is usually faster, too, and you can return to normal activity in a shorter amount of time.
After surgery, it may take some time for you to adjust to speaking with your new teeth. You might notice some slurring or lisping at first, but with consistent practice you should be able to clear up any problems. Practice reading aloud, reciting tongue twisters, and engaging in conversations with friends and family members to familiarize yourself with your new speech patterns.
Unlike bridges, dental implants do not require adjacent teeth to be modified for the new tooth structure, so they preserve the health and strength of those teeth. Additionally, you will be able to brush and floss your implants just as you would your natural teeth, which will reduce your risk of gum disease.
In addition to following a good oral hygiene routine, you should also avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption to promote healthy healing after your dental implant procedure. Smoking restricts blood flow, which can hinder your body’s ability to heal and increase the risk of complications. It is also important to visit your dentist regularly, even if your dental implants appear trouble-free. During your appointment, your dentist will perform a thorough dental exam and take X-rays to catch any potential issues before they become serious.
They Can Last a Lifetime
Unlike dentures or bridges, which may show wear and tear over time, dental implants are designed to last for life. They look and feel like your natural teeth, so you can be confident with your smile. You can also eat the foods you want without fear of tearing up or damaging your new restorations.
Implants aren’t invincible, however, and you should take steps to ensure they can last as long as possible. You can prevent many of the issues that affect the lifespan of natural teeth, such as gum disease, by practicing good oral hygiene and taking care of your dental implants. You should visit your dentist for routine cleanings every six months and avoid damaging habits, such as chewing on hard objects or using a tobacco product.
One of the most important factors that impact how long dental implants last is bone density. If you have insufficient bone tissue, your body won’t be able to support the implants, which can cause them to fail. Your dentist can perform a test to see how much bone is available in your jaw, and they can even add more bone with a graft if necessary.
Other health issues can impact how long your dental implants last, including uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, and certain cancer treatments. These conditions can interfere with the ability of your bones to heal after surgery, and they can increase the risk of complications from the implant procedure itself.
Implants can be a great choice for replacing missing teeth, and they come with many benefits that can improve your quality of life. If you are missing teeth, contact us today to set up a consultation and learn more about your candidacy for the procedure. We can help you find the solution that best suits your needs and lifestyle, so you can stop hiding your smile.